camshaft and crankshaft timing

On my Honda Civic 98 DX can I get away with having the camshaft and crankshaft timing as close as possible for ignition timing without causing damage to the pistons/valves? After doing some research I believe I must get in and loosen some of the belts if I want to have the timing as close as possible, but I'm wondering if I can get away with just having the camshaft and crankshaft as close as possible without damaging anything? I ask because I would like to get this back on the road as soon as possible or will I need to actually get in and loosen some of the belts?